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Wednesday, April 9, 2014

The Proposal

What are the Duggars up to these
days? Wedding planning! They just announced this morning that 22-year-old Jill
is engaged to Derick Dillard. (Click here for details.)

The couple shared the details of the
proposal with ABC News.

Derick, 25, sought Jim Bob's
blessing two months ago and arranged to have a song written about his relationship with
Jill.

"We went on [a] lunch date to a
Mexican restaurant and then we walked around in a park setting, and the guy who
wrote the song was just sitting on a park bench, nothing out of the ordinary,"
Derick told ABC News. "He was like, 'Oh, hey, you look like a nice couple.
I think I have a song for you guys.'"

In case you were wondering, the
couple had two chaperones following at a distance.

"When
my dad first introduced Derick and I, we spent hours texting, calling, and
talking on Skype while 8,000 miles away from each other," Jill told ABC
News. "And when we finally met in person in Nepal, we knew within days
that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together."

There was a line about that in the
song, so Jill knew right away that Derick had something up his sleeve.

"He said, 'When God made you,
he was thinking of me,' and then at the very end [of the song], he said
something about, 'And I pray that you think that too, when God made you he was
thinking of me,' and I was like, 'That sounds like a question!'" said Jill.
"After that, Derick started saying a bunch of mushy stuff like, 'I love
you so much,' and I don't remember everything!"

Derick got down on one knee and presented
a ring he purchased in Israel.

Derick described the ring and the
story behind it: "It's just a white gold band with a solitaire diamond: a
round stone, .63 carats. Jill really likes Israel, and I'd always wanted to go
to the Holy Land. ... [When I was there] I had it in my head that I wanted to
get an engagement ring pretty soon, but I had no idea it would work out [this]
perfectly!"

I
love Derick's desire to follow God and to serve others," said Jill. "Derick
is so romantic, and the proposal was perfect. We are incredibly happy and can't
wait to share our courtship and engagement on 19 Kids and Counting. Next up, wedding planning!"

The wedding has been planned for
this summer, and according to the couple, it's going to be big. They are
looking forward to sharing their special moment with family and friends. Jill is
currently working on invitations.

Thank-you for the back date bringing us up to speed on the engagement videos that were posted earlier today. The actual proposal must have been a wonderful experience for Jill! My congratulations to the happy couple! Lily and Ellie, thanks for everything you do to bring this news to all of us out here in the world, it is really a blessing to get these blog entries about this exemplary Duggar family. It is so unique to get to share in their lives as they all grow up. In factit is encouraging for the whole Christian community, the world wide church, (it seems from some of the locations mentioned). Hopefully there will be salvations and people entering the church daily, just from the good news of Jesus Christ who is Lord of the Duggars! No secret to the spiritual power and blessings of the family in this blog it is for everyone!

That's lovely. I think it's so wonderful that Derick bought the ring from Israel too :) (replacement/remnant theology stuff aside). Really looking forward to the Nepal episode! And their wedding of course, if they are filming it -- a summer wedding means that it's pretty soon!

Finally I get my turn on the communal computer here. I love to see the Duggar story unfold! I truly wish Derrick and Jill a life time of continued happiness and it is wonderful to know that greater happiness is in store for them! Thank-you for sharing it gives me joy too! In the holy spirit of the pre marital love God bless you as you proceed honorably to the days of blessed union as one.

What a beautiful couple!!! Very happy for them. Derick seems like quite the romantic guy! I'm guessing they will live somewhere overseas for a while doing missionary work before they have children. Jill could probably get a lot of midwifery experience overseas too.

WOW!! Is there any other way to describe it? WOW!!Its so amazing to watch these girls who have been patient and waited. Now their Prince Charmings are sweeping them off their feet!!Congrats to Jill and Derick!! (maybe there will be a similar post about Jessa and Ben soon? :)

For those of you who cant see the video, your devise may not be compatable, if you google duggar engagement people magazine article you can watch the video on that site, it should work, good luck! By the way its soooo sweet, the love in their eyes when looking at eachother is just precious.

All this is great but it is getting to be too much for me now. I am full up on the Duggars and the blog and must quit. Lily and Ellie, thank-you for your blog to date, and as well thank-you too the commenters. Everything on this site is fun and/or edifying.

I could hardly believe my eyes last night when I saw this wonderful news!!!! I had no idea that this would be so soon. Congratulations to you Jill and Derick!!! I will be praying for you both. May God give you His BIGGEST and richest blessings!!!!!!--Love in Christ, C.H. Duggar fan from Oklahoma

Oh, this is so beautiful! How sweet to know that God has arranged this. What a gift for these two. I especially delighted in Jill's sentence: "And when we finally met in person in Nepal, we knew within days that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together." How wonderfully perfect.-Ali

@Sidra Many Christians don the Star of David in support of Israel. Derrick mentioned that he bough Jill's ring in Israel in part because she really likes Israel. I am guessing she got that necklace when her family visited Israel last year, or perhaps it was a gift from Derrick as well? Either way, I highly doubt it's because she's become a Jew, if that's what you were wondering! :)

Congratulations! I am very happy for the two of you and the whole family. I look forward to getting to "know" Derrick and his family and watching you prepare for your wedding!I love your show and never miss it. You all are such an inspiration to me. May God abundantly bless your union.

congratulations, praise the Lord for another Godly couple brought together by him the Lord, many blessings as you planned this special occasion Khmer thank you for your walk with the Lord and being such a testimony to the world in which we need to see Purity and wholesome courting, dating and marriage plansto be that example for so many to see doing it God's Way

... It is wonderful to see a young couple who is willing to put God as their foundation of their marriage. May God continue to Bless your union as you start your lives together and I wish you nothing but happiness as you go thru life together ... Congratulations

Derick mentioned that he had a few more months to complete his 2 year ministry. Does that indicate that he is of the Mormon religion? I know that the young men are required to complete a 2 year mission when they graduate high school. I was just wondering if anyone knew what his religious affiliation is.

Congratulations Jill and Derick! It is so refreshing to see a committed christian couple. I know that the two of you will be salt and light in this dark world for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Always stay grounded in him. My husband and I will be watching your beautiful wedding on TV. I can't wait! :-) God bless you both!

Congrats to you both! I have a lovely modest white wedding gown I would love to donate to the bride. It has never been altered or worn outside of the bridal boutique. If you are interested, please contact me at Beautifuldayweddings.biz.......I think the kardashians can take lessons from you!Susan

I know that you do not believe in dancing and I understand to a point because of the distasteful stuff I've seen on Tv but I can't believe that you, Jim Bob would not indulge your daughter's on their wedding day to a father/daughter dance. It is a tradition, it's tasteful and there is nothing dirty or wrong with ballroom style dancing. Especially between a father and his daughter and a husband and his wi_e at their own wedding. I sure hope you don't deprive your daughter's of these special traditions on their wedding day because you and Michelle don't believe in dancing. There is nothing wrong with dancing if it is done tastefully. It is a beautiful expression of love between a father and daughter and between a husband and wife. Let your daughter's have the final say on what they want to incorporate into their weddings even if you don't agree. They are adults and have great heads on their shoulders. You and Michelle planned your wedding the way you wanted it and I hope you give your children the freedom to make their own choices as to what they want on their wedding day. Did you and Michelle dance at your wedding? Where did this belief of no dancing come from anyways? Kelly

God Bless Jill & Derick in their new life together! What a beautiful couple and a shining testimony of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ! May God's, love, peace & joy be with them now & throughout their marriage. And as they travel the world sharing the gospel this is to them: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" You are beautiful inside & out! you are loved by so many!

@Anonymous I am so sorry to hear of Erin's miscarriage. I have watched the wedding episode several times and love their love story. I'm sure God will bless you with children in His Time. MJM Newmarket NH

Dear Jessa and Ben, Thank you for sharing the relationship you have with each other and your relationship with the Lord with us. You both are setting such a beautiful example for young and old of how a couple should behave in a relationship.May the LORD BLESS YOU and YOUR FAMILIES!!!

Dear Erin and Chad, I saw the episode with your wedding and it brought JOY to my heart.Thank you for sharing that special day with us all.I'm so sorry to hear about your little one my prayers are with you. Although this is a difficult time I know that the LORD is carrying you through this and that your LOVE for HIM will give you PEACE.God BLESS YOU and YOUR FAMILIES.

Congrats Jill and Derick! I am very happy for y'all and hope you have an amazing wedding. My fiancé and I will be joining you both in getting married this summer. Robert and I are getting married in July. I don't know if you read this blog but if you do God bless and I wish you happiness and strength in your marriage. Melinda K.

They are a lovely couple and I wish them all the best. I do worry though that they do not get time and privacy to communicate alone before marriage. They are so committed to their faith there is no danger of them acting inappropriately and some pre wedding conversations have to take place without your parents listening in. I hope they have a great wedding and a happy life together.

God's way is always best! So nice to see this in our media through the Duggars! God Bless you for doing this blog and for the wonderful testimony the Duggar Family is to the media! So very happy for Jill and Derrick and their engagement! Special blessings upon them as they plan their wedding and future together!

I hate to be the only one that thinks this is a bad idea. meeting someone on the net usually doesn't last . you cannot tell what a person is really like unless you can spend face to face time with them, I would have never thought the parents would think this is ok.

Congratulations Jill. I know you are getting a great guy. My oldest son went to Nepal this past December and worked with Derick. In fact, Derick was nice enough to take him to the hospital on his moterbike after my son was taken ill. He said Derick is so nice. Congratulations! I wish you all the best.

@AnonymousActually, they did meet face to face. Jill went to Nepal with Jim Bob to meet him back in November for 2 weeks during which time he asked Jill to court him. He then went back to Rogers, Arkansas, where he's originally from (He only lives about 40 minutes from the Duggars.) back in January. So they have gotten to know each other very well.

WOW a lot of comments. I am afraid to read anything these days, people can be so mean & I don't understand the quarreling.

Well, here is my question, how did these two meet? I was watching the show the other day & I must be way behind, I think there was mention of the parents and daughter going to another country to meet a young man and it would be the first time they met in person, all of them? I'll try to see if it in comments, and PLEASE people, I expect nicer out of those who post here - don't use God's beautiful Word as a weapon against others. We are called to be different than those who do not know the Lord, and for me that means you just do not pick fights with strangers on a web site. So many people say "I don't want to be a Christian, they aren't even nice to each other!" I pray that I have not ever been that kind of stumbling block to someone who is seeking the Lord and a relationship with Him!

Congratulations Jill and Derick! I was so excited when I heard last week that the two of you will be getting married on the same day my fiance and I are getting married. Blair and I have been together for six years now, and we are the same age as the two of you. My advice to you both is to always communicate with one another. It truly is the biggest piece to a healthy relationship. God bless the two of you, and your big day. Blair and I will be thinking about you both while we are saying I do at the same time you two will be.

Congratulations and best wishes to you and your intended as well as the same for your sister Jessa and Ben. May God bless all of you and always have you in his care.We are so very happy for your family!

I'm soooooooooooo excited for Jill and Derrick!! My sister and I watch the show all the way from Australia and we've only just seen them enter into a courtship - I can't wait to see the wedding planning and the actual wedding!! Every happiness to you both, wish I was a fly on the wall!

Congratulations to derrick and jill and their entire family it is such an inspiration to watch such a great family with so much moral and spirtual values great example for the world today , keep up the good work may God continue to bless your family

May god bless you both and may you prosper in everything you do in life, love one another , have faith, and always know that god is always there for you, congrats you deserve all greatness and have a blessed life.

you 2 seem so right for each other, your truly can see that you love each other , have a wonderful wedding & be happy together...travel the world & each each other before you start your family (which you both will be amazing parents...)

Best wishes to the couple! While I do not support all of your beliefs, I respect your choices and seeing you together makes me smile. You seem well matched, with a mutual respect and an adoration for each other that is so cute. Good for you both to wait until you were older and Derick, I'm impressed by your taking time to earn a college degree and your work in Nepal and Jill, your travels and vocation as a midwife I think will help you continue to grow in personal satisfaction.

Jill, I keep your curious nature, and that you and Derrik grow as a couple and stand together as equals. Derick, remember that Jill is your equal, and respect her independence and personal goals. I look forward to seeing where you lives take you; I can see the pair of you working in a Youth Ministry of some type, with Jill doing midwifery on the side. Just a thought.

How can they possibly marry so quickly, they barely know each other! No one, no couple, can REALLY know each other in this short amount of time - it takes a good year or two to get to know a partner and make a decision based upon true, deep love and not just infatuation and newness. It seems to me the Duggar way of dating and courtship does not allow these kids to experience any type of relationship, other than one courtship and then straight to marriage.

I am so happy for you Jill and Derick! Thank you for staying true to the Lord Jesus! The Lord is going to so bless you in your marriage for honoring Him! In life, there will be sadness and heartache. However, you both started out with a love for the Lord Jesus. You will be able to weather the storms of life (by His Grace) TOGETHER! What an awesome testimony.

I don't understand their views on dancing. Certainly there can be inappropriate types of dancing but I don't understand disapproving all dancing. Ballroom style or simple waltz style or even line dancing can be beautiful and fun. There are many references to dancing in the bible and most of those refer to showing praise or celebrating. Can somebody help me understand?

With Jill soon to become Jill Dillard, I wonder if her siblings have lovingly nicknamed her Jilly-Dilly.☺ If the Lord should bless them with a quiver full, may I be so forward as to suggest some names; Bildad, Gilbert, Philip, and William for boys, and Hillary, Lilliam, Millicent and Matilda for girls. Yes, when it is time for the children to come inside from playing, can't you just picture Jilly-Dilly calling them, "Billy, Gilly, Philly, Willie, Hilly, Lilly, Millie, and Tillie, time to come in."This levity is sent with love and best wishes for your life together serving your Saviour. ☺ ♥

I just began watching the program recently and was so impressed over the mannerisms of the children and the high moral standards taught by their parents, especially in today's world!I am so happy for Jill and Derrick and wish God's greatest blessings as they begin their livestogether as husband and wife. I pray God's continued favor on their lives as they seek to serve His direction in all that they do!

Do the Duggars own a t.v. yet? Do they have social media accounts? I am curious to how much the kids have outside influence now as opposed to the older Duggar children. I know theres a episode showing Josh had bought a tv and I recall the shows early days Michelle and JimBob stated they didn't

This is the power couple, in my mind. He's already an accountant, so he can easily support her, and I heard somewhere that eventually he'd like to attend seminary. If she doesn't become pregnant right away, she could complete here midwifery, and have that license as a back up, should she or they ever need it. Either way, they are ready spiritually, physically, and financially for marriage. I think Jimbob knew what he was doing.

I watched the proposal show, as tears streamed down my face....It was so lovely and thoughtful. I especially loved when Derick told Jill he would be honored to serve God with her..........Such a beautiful sentiment.

They have actually known each other quite some time. If you read other blog entries you will see that Jill's father introduced them over a year ago and they talked online for many months before meeting in person due to distance. Jim Bob took Jill to Nepal to meet Derrik. Traditionally Courtship is designed to allow for learning about long term commitment. the secular dating game is setting our children up for divorce. IMO

Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding. The only advice I would ever give to my daughters would be to listen, listen, listen to each other. Be best friends and walk holding hands whenever possible.

Mazel Tov Jill and Derrick! Wishing you both a lifetime of much happiness, love, and joy. When you're both old and gray, may you look back upon your wedding day with big smiles, a full heart, and many wonderful happy memories. Enjoy and treasure your wonderful day. Congratulations! A friend in Mt. Kisco, New York, Wendy K.

For all those commenting who think that it's unwise to meet someone online, or that Jill and Derick haven't known each other long enough and moved too quickly:Read "Our Story" on Jill & Derick's Wedding Site at www.theknot.com. Derick's account and Jill's provide a lot of behind-the-scenes details, and help to fill in the blanks a bit for those who are not able to view "19 Kids and Counting" regularly. A lot of prayers and confirmations were ongoing throughout their relationship. Besides, when it's the Lord, you just KNOW it's right!

I pray to God everyday to fill up the world with People just like your family. From Jim Bob and Michelle right on down to Josie and the extended family that has begun with Josh and Anna. The world would be a much better place. Love to you all!!!!

Everything about this family and their friends is beautiful. I can't wait to see next season's episodes. My 11 year old daughter and I were counting down the days saying, "Jill and Derick get married tomorrow!" I would love to be a part of this family, just watching the show makes me happy. It is truly healthy, happy reality TV! Thank you for opening up your lives to the world! Sincerely, Crystal in NC

162,The Duggars are a Christian Reformed Baptist family.Their marriages are NOT arranged, but completely up to the boy and the girl. The Duggar parents merely monitor their conversations, so as to keep their hearts pure for Christ.The women are always in dresses and skirts because that is what the Lord commands in his word. He says that women are to be adorned in modest apparel, and that it is an abomination for Boys to dress like girls, and for girls to dress like boys. That I'm assuming is their reasoning. Lily and Ellie, correct me if I'm wrong please. :)My parents also enforce these principles, and I'm so thankful that they did!!

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Welcome to the premiere source for factual, encouraging updates on Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar and their 19 kids (TLC's 19 Kids and Counting & Counting On). Our site is not maintained by the Duggars, but we (Lily and Ellie) are personal friends of the family.